Do I Get my Money Back if I Cancel my Southwest Flight?

Southwest Airlines Co. is most often known as Southwest. It is the largest low-cost airline in the world and one of the major airlines in the United States. It operates scheduled flights to 121 destinations in the United States and 10 other countries from its headquarters in Dallas, Texas. Southwest Airlines set a new milestone in 2018 by carrying more domestic passengers than any other airline in the country.

Because of its reputation and services, people continue to travel with this airline. However, if you are unable to change your Southwest flight ticket, you can contact Ticketchanges for assistance, to cancel your Southwest Airlines flight bookings, and get acquainted with the flight cancellation policy, as we will assist you in making adjustments to your Southwest airline ticket and tell you of the flight change policies as well as how you may be eligible for a Southwest refund if you decide to cancel. This website provides all relevant information; if you require additional assistance or clarification, please contact us at any time.

How Late can you Cancel a Southwest Flight?

Yes, there is a 10-minute time limit before your planned departure. You have until 10 minutes before your flight's departure to make changes or even cancel your flight. Your travel money for that Southwest Airlines flight will be forfeited if you cross this threshold.

  • If your reservation has expired or you have canceled a refundable fare that has been converted to flight credit and would need a refund instead:
  • You can reach out to the support team by calling at +1 (800) 435-9792.

Or you can mail your concern to the Refunds Department at:

Southwest Airlines

Refunds Department

P.O. Box 36649

Dallas, Texas 75235-1649

Cancellation Policy for Southwest Tickets

You can amend or cancel your Southwest Airlines flight within 24 hours of placing the reservation, according to the southwest airline's cancellation policy. In addition, the scheduled flight must depart at least 7 days after the cancellation request is received.

  • You will have to pay a price to cancel your flight once the risk-free cancellation period of 24 hours has expired.
  • If you cancel your flight within 24 hours after booking, you will receive a refund, which will be refunded to your original payment method within 5-7 business days. The timing of your flight cancellation determines whether you are eligible for reimbursement.
  • Southwest has a generous cancellation policy for reward tickets. Your points will be automatically returned if you cancel a flight booked with Southwest Rapid Rewards points.
  • Furthermore, any taxes and fees paid in conjunction with your points can be converted into travel cash for future travel or reimbursed to the original mode of payment.
  • If you require additional assistance in resolving your refund or cancellation concerns, or if you require further clarifications on the refund policy, you can contact Southwest Airlines customer service representatives, who are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

How much does it cost to cancel a flight on Southwest airlines?

Depending on when you update your flight plans, a Southwest Airlines flight change fee will apply. You must either change your flight booking within the 24-hour window or you have a refundable ticket to avoid being charged a change fee. The charges could be around USD 125 to USD 250 depending on the type of fare ticket you have. 

  • If your new Southwest flight is more expensive, you will have to pay the difference in fare.
  • If your new Southwest flight is less expensive, you will be given a Reservation Credit to spend on future journeys.

How Do I Cancel my Southwest Airlines Flight Booking?

Now that you are aware of all of the main characteristics of the Southwest Airlines flight modification policy, you may proceed to adjust your Southwest Airlines flight. You should also be aware that altering your flight online is straightforward and can be done utilizing any digital device from the comfort of your own home. By visiting their official website and just a few easy clicks, you may quickly change your Southwest flight.

The quickest and easiest way to cancel your Southwest airline reservation is to do so online. It also allows you to save money, which may be applicable if you cancel with the help of offline guest managers. The following steps will guide you through the process of canceling your Southwest flight ticket online:

  • Visit the official website of Southwest Airlines from your preferred internet browser and click on the tab ‘Change/Cancel’ from the homepage.
  • Then you will have many options to choose from, select ‘Change/Cancel’.
  • You will be redirected to a page that will ask you to fill in ‘Confirmation Number’, the first name, and the last name of the traveler.
  • Click on ‘Search’ and the next page will show you the flight ticket.
  • You'll be taken to your Southwest Airlines flight tickets now.
  • Choose the flight that has to be canceled from the drop-down menu.
  • Before pressing the 'Cancel' button, double-check the flight's details.
  • You will receive an email from Southwest Airlines confirming the flight cancellation.

How Do I Get a Refund from Southwest?

If you cancel your Southwest Airlines ticket within 24 hours of making the reservation and the flight is scheduled to depart at least 7 days later, you will be eligible for a full refund of the canceled flight, according to the Southwest Airlines Refund Policy.

  • If your flight is canceled and the airline's alternate flight is not suitable for you, you can request a full refund of your ticket price.
  • All the initiated refunds will be credited back to your original payment method. And when you are to get a cash refund, you will be issued a check for the refund.
  • When you cancel your refundable ticket, you have two options, you can either choose to get the refund back to the payment method or you can opt to get a flight credit that can be used in the future.
  • If you cancel your non-refundable flight ticket then you will not be getting the refund amount in cash, rather you will get flight credits.
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Customer Reviews
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Roy Star Rating for Ticketchanges Comments

It provides the best price and products were excellent services. I will use ticketchanges again.

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Aayansh Raman Star Rating for Ticketchanges Comments

I was flying with Southwest Airlines from Chicago to Bangalore, stopping in Saudi, after reaching the Saudi airport I came to know that my flight got cancelled without any prior intimation. I asked the airport staff about the flight and confirmed it. I called the customer support and asked them to arrange a flight for me to Bangalore, after checking the available flights they managed a ticket for me and asked me to wait for 4 hours to take the next flight. Even though they made me wait, they arranged a flight. I felt very happy and reached Bangalore safely.

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Christie Gaskin Star Rating for Ticketchanges Comments

I booked a flight with Southwest Airline and the next day I met with an accident with minor injuries, so I cancelled my ticket. I was not sure whether I would get a full refund, but luckily I got my money back without any charges, it is because of Southwest Airlines 24 hour cancellation Policy. In the policy, it is mentioned that if any passenger cancels tickets within 24 hours of the original booking time they will get a full refund. As per the policy I got my money back. Thanks to Southwest Airlines.

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Juan Smith Star Rating for Ticketchanges Comments

I highly recommend Southwest Airlines. I am impressed with the customer service; I recently called the customer service to cancel my ticket because of this pandemic situation, the executive responded gently and cancelled my ticket and waived off the handling charges as it was mentioned in the Southwest Airlines refund policy.

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Ann Wilson Star Rating for Ticketchanges Comments

Southwest flight cancellation policy is awesome. They changed their policy during this Covid situation to help customers. I booked a ticket with no refund policy, but I decided to cancel my flight ticket because of my personal problems. The company gave the option to rebook flight tickets within a year from the original ticket date.

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Sofia Star Rating for Ticketchanges Comments

I was flying with Southwest airlines and it was a connecting flight. Southwest Airlines canceled the flight due to some technical issues. All the passengers were brought to the resort for the night, free of cost. They had taken care of us by providing all the facilities. I was impressed with Southwest airlines.

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Roberto Star Rating for Ticketchanges Comments

Please check the Southwest cancellation policies before booking with Southwest airlines (wn), and try to book through the airline's official website or app, because I lost my money by flight booking with third-party flight reservation services. But Southwest airline's cancellation policy is generous and I got my money back with less charges.

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Sofia Sujen Star Rating for Ticketchanges Comments

My mother and I flew out on a cold windy day to celebrate our retirement and anniversary. We had a wonderful trip with Southwest Airlines (wn), friendly staff, and cabin crew on the flight. No delays and Southwest Airlines cancellation. Our luggage came to us at the end of the day. Everything went smooth, tasty food, comfortable seats, and extra plans to fly again. Thank you so much Southwest Airlines!

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Dino Smith Star Rating for Ticketchanges Comments

I applied for a refund here by navigating through the Southwest website. And now I was confused about how long Southwest refund take. When I was doing the process, there was information about it. This is just a suggestion that you should disclose such information as it can be important for travelers.

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Kim Star Rating for Ticketchanges Comments

My best friend used this Southwest Airlines cancellation policy to cancel her flights. I am extremely grateful for your assistance.

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Juan Smith Star Rating for Ticketchanges Comments

I had genuine reasons due to which I had to cancel my flight with Southwest Airlines within 24 hours. Under Southwest Airlines' cancellation policy 24 hours I was able to apply for a full refund without paying a penny. How cool is that! I put Southwest Airlines Airlines on the top when recommending flights to anyone. Southwest Airlines clearly has never disappointed me.

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Timothy Greene Star Rating for Ticketchanges Comments

I booked my flight ticket with Southwest airlines approximately a month back. I had change in plans and eventually wanted to cancel the my flight ticket due to an emergency situation. Being someone who relies on the customer service, I called the customer support center and got in touch with the executive of Southwest. They asked for my reference number and last name, checked my eligibility and forwarded with the refund gradually. Loved the customer service from Southwest, the refund was reasonable too, considering I had to make end minute changes.

user
Loreal Depth Star Rating for Ticketchanges Comments

I booked my ticket with Southwest approximately a month back. I had change in plans and eventually wanted to cancel the ticket from Southwest due to an emergency situation. Being someone who relies on the Southwest customer support, I called the help center and got in touch with the executive on Southwest. They asked for my reference number and last name, checked my eligibility and forwarded with the refund gradually. Loved the Southwest customer service, the refund was reasonable too, considering I had to make last-minute changes.